Keywords
crime victims, crime reporting, evidence-based practice, court participation, access to victim services, victim safety
Document Type
Article
Abstract
This study explores crime victims’ perceptions of participation in criminal justice proceedings. In all, eight (8) interviews and 314 surveys of crime victims were conducted in Arkansas. Among crime victims, 92% reported the crime to the police, 76% felt the case’s outcome served justice, 78% would be okay attending court again, 45% felt very safe in court, and 38% strongly agreed that their needs and wishes were considered in court. Three main themes emerged from the interviews: 1) impact of crime victimization on individual needs, 2) perceived access to mental and physical well-being support, and 3) perceptions of crime victims regarding the criminal justice system. The findings suggest prioritizing the assessment of crime victims’ safety and security needs to connect them with comprehensive virtual and in-person resources, support, and services, thereby encouraging continued participation in criminal justice proceedings.
Recommended Citation
Hardin, Carmen and Lott, Caron
(2026)
"Understanding Victim Experiences within the Criminal Justice System,"
Journal of Criminal Justice and Law: Vol. 9:
Iss.
2, Article 1.
Available at:
https://research.library.kutztown.edu/jcjl/vol9/iss2/1